Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission to Israel

December 27, 2024 - January 7, 2025

OUR MISSION

The Caravan for Democracy (CFD) mission is to facilitate constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East on college campuses across America by giving non-Jewish student leaders a unique opportunity to experience Israel firsthand. CFD allows participants to see Israel's history, contributions to the world, its vibrant democracy, and commitment to peace in the region. This is achieved by learning from diverse speakers, exploring the land, and creating productive and respectful discourse with peers. The program expects participants to ask questions and be challenged during the trip in order for them to return to campus with the self-confidence to share their experience as well as advocate for thoughtful and factually correct dialogue about Israel and the Middle East at their respective schools. 

VISIT • LEARN • ENGAGE

The Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission is a 10-day, fully subsidized educational program for student leaders beyond the Jewish faith who have never been to Israel before. This unique mission provides students with the opportunity to explore the Jewish and democratic country of Israel through meetings with political, cultural, and community leaders from diverse backgrounds and faiths. 

Caravan for Democracy is interested in student leaders on college campus who are excited about expanding their worldview and experiencing Israel firsthand. Leadership is not limited to student government; applicants and alumni have held positions in many different types of organizations including, but not limited to, entrepreneurs, Greek life, environmentalism, social action, minority groups, journalism, LGBTQ+ groups, and more.

Caravan for Democracy is operated by Jewish National Fund-USA, whose goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East on college campuses across America. This mission will demonstrate to participants Israel's unique contributions to the world, its vibrant democracy, and its commitment to peace in the region.

For a sample itinerary, please click  here. 

Participants are selected through a competitive application and interview process. Those selected will be required to participate in pre-mission webinars in the fall semester and facilitate follow up campus activities in the spring semester. JNF covers transportation to and from Israel, accommodations, most meals, and all excursions. Participants are responsible for their own domestic transportation to and from the New York City area. Flights will be departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Please Note: Dates are tentative and subject to change. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must NOT have visited Israel before.
• Applicants must hold quantifiable leadership roles on campus and in their community.
• Applicants must be full-time college sophomores or juniors at the time of travel. 
• Completed applications must include detailed answers, resume, profile picture, and two (2) reference letters.
• Reference letters may come from faculty, administrators, employers, community leaders, and student leaders. Please submit reference letters to education@jnf.org with the subject line: Caravan For Democracy Reference
• Finalists selected will be required to participate in a video call interview.

If you would like to nominate a student for Caravan for Democracy, click here.

For more information, please contact Rene Reinhard at rreinhard@jnf.org or 202.750.0095 x295.

Caravan for Democracy Committee Members:

World Chairman’s Council

JNF Boruchin Israel Education and Advocacy Center

Harley Feldberg, Paradise Valley, AZ

The Harvey Hertz Fund, Tampa, FL 

The David and Linda Stein Family, Jacksonville, FL 

Century Council

Bernice Friedman, Las Vegas, NV 

The Sam and Joan Ginsburg Charitable Fund, Westchester, NY 

Ellen Holtzman, Philadelphia, PA 

Amy Iles, New York, NY 

Stacy and Scott Lewin, Atlanta, GA  

The Milton and Beatrice Shapiro JNF Scholarship Fund, New York, NY 

Nancy Siegel, Englewood, CO

Geraldine Shatz (z”l) 

Susan and Barry Tatelman, Boston, MA 

President’s Society

The Fromkin Family Foundation, Morganville, NJ

Stacy and Barry Kalmanson, Orlando, FL 

Laura and Steve Salzer, Tampa, FL 

Herzl Society

Lauren and Nelson France, Fairfax, VA - JNFuture

Michael Jacobson, Atlanta, GA 

David Levitt, Longmeadow, MA 

Ben and Sally Lewensohn Foundation, Media, PA

David Pearlman, Tampa, FL 

Evelyn and David Snyder Foundation, Lakewood Ranch, FL 

Chai Society

Barbara Kalmus, Beverly Hills, CA 

Michelle Locker, Studio City, CA 

Susan Sommer, Atlanta, GA 

Roots Society

David Soloway, Los Angeles, CA - JNFuture